Congressional Record - National Bible Week

National Bible Week is November 18-24, 2007.

Several members of Congress gave speeches about this.
These speeches are linked from their names below.

Congressional Record > Nov 5, 2007

• Rep. Clyburn [D-SC]
• Rep. Rahall [D-WV]
• Rep. McIntyre [D-NC]
• Rep. Rush [D-IL]
• Rep. Boyda [D-KS]
• Rep. Walberg [R-MI]
• Rep. McCarthy [D-NY]
• Rep. Sali [R-ID]
• Rep. Pearce [R-NM]

Video: Rep. Paul Broun [R-GA] (5.6 MB WMV)


12/5/2007 Update:

Congressional Record > Dec 4, 2007

• Sen. Ensign [R-NV]

110th Congress - House Motion to Recommit Scorecard

Boehner: If Majority Restricts Motions to Recommit, "Republicans Will Have No Choice but to Shut Down the House"
Responding to a report in this morning's Roll Call that the House Majority has renewed plans to restrict Republicans' ability to substantively amend legislation on the House floor through motions to recommit--rights have not been revised since 1822.

House Republican Leader John Boehner:

Just as I warned the Majority leadership in May when they attempted to attack democracy in the People’s House by restricting our right to these motions, if they follow through with these plans Republicans will have no choice but to shut down the House to protect a rule critical to an open democracy.

The House has adopted 21 of our motions to recommit, with a substantial number of Democrats supporting each and every one, and two of them are the law of the land today.

This demonstrates that Republicans are not just offering proposals to play procedural games. Rather, we are offering substantive proposals to improve the Majority’s legislation on behalf of those we represent in the House.

If the Democratic leadership takes this right away, they can expect the most vigorous fight yet from House Republicans--and plenty of criticism from the American people, who already have deemed this Congress a complete disappointment.

A motion to recommit: the Minority Party’s one, final chance to amend legislation before it is advanced out of the House.

21 Republican motions to recommit were adopted by the House this year:

1. 3/7/07 – Water Quality Investment Act (Passed 425-0) – Prohibits the use of funds to lobby or retain a lobbyist.
2. 3/8/07 – To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the pilot program for alternative water source projects (Passed 427-0) – Prohibits the use of funds to lobby or retain a lobbyist.
3. 3/9/07 – Water Quality Financing Act (Passed 359-56) – Prohibits convicted felons from being issued transportation security card.
4. 3/14/07 – Whistleblower Protection Act (Passed 426-0) – Protects federal employees from retaliation for the exercise and expression of religion in the workplace.
5. 3/15/07 – Accountability in Contracting Act (Passed 309-114) – Bars federal agencies from awarding contracts to colleges and universities that prohibit on-campus military recruitment.
6. 3/21/07 – Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act (Passed 249-176) – Prohibits public housing for individuals convicted of drug dealing, sex, domestic violence, or gang crimes and gives public housing priority to working individuals.
7. 3/27/07 – Rail and Public Transportation Security Act (Passed 304-121) – Grants immunity from civil liability to persons that report potential threats to transportation security.
8. 4/24/07 – To authorize science scholarships for educating mathematics and science teachers, and for other purposes (Passed 408-4) – Affirmed the authority of state and local school boards to determine curricula.
9. 4/24/07 – Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act (Passed 264-154) – Gives priority to grants to expand domestic energy use and production through coal-to-liquids and advanced nuclear reprocessing.
10. 5/9/07 – Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act (Passed 264-160) – Establishes an automated system to screen persons entering or departing the U.S.
11. 5/17/07 – National Defense Authorization Act (Passed 394-30) – Adds $205 million to the missile defense program budget.
12. 5/24/07 – Lobbying Transparency Act (Passed 228-192) – Added PACs to the list of entities required to disclose their bundling.
13. 5/24/07 – Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (Passed 346-71) – Bans state and local lobbying gifts, bundling, recusal for reverse revolving door, and disclosure of earmark lobbying.
14. 6/6/07 – Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act (Passed 345-71) – Ensures that nothing in the act may limit U.S. response to an Iranian attack on the U.S. or Afghanistan in Afghanistan.
15. 7/12/07 – Section 8 Voucher Reform Act (Passed 233-186) – Denied Section 8 voucher assistance to illegal immigrants.
16. 9/26/07 – Making continuing appropriations for FY08 (Passed 341-79) – Honors General Petraeus and our Armed Forces and condemns Moveon.org’s personal attacks impugning the integrity of General Petraeus.
17. 10/3/07 – Improving Government Accountability Act (Passed 274-144) – Limits the size of the Federal government by ensuring that taxpayers’ money is not being wasted on unnecessary programs.
18. 10/4/07 – MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act (Passed 342-75) – Clarifies that nothing in the bill shall impact any currently permissible intelligence activities.
19. 10/16/07 – Free Flow of Information Act (Passed 388-33) – Gives clearance to courts to consider potential harm from information disclosure on national security.
20. 10/23/07 – Virginia Ridge and Valley Act (Passed 236-178) – Permits the use of motorized vehicles in wilderness lands for rescue personnel.
21. 10/24/07 – Celebrating America’s Heritage Act (Passed 344-71) – Solidifies states’ rights to establish their own regulations on hunting and gun use in national heritage areas.

Three more motions to recommit also were poised to be adopted as well:

1. An August 2, 2007 motion to bar taxpayer benefits for illegal immigrants under an agricultural funding bill that was successfully adopted and later reversed by the Majority – a matter that is now under investigation by a bipartisan Select Committee;
2. A March 22, 2007 motion to restore Second Amendment rights to the residents of the District of Columbia, which was offered during consideration of a District of Columbia voting rights bill – a bill that the Majority pulled from the House floor as a result; and
3. An October 17, 2007 motion to allow the Intelligence Community to conduct surveillance on Osama Bin Laden, al Qaeda, or any other foreign terrorist organization, which was offered during consideration of a bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) – a bill that the Majority pulled from the House floor as a result.

Congress This Week

CQ: The Week Ahead

• Senate: Farm Bill (H.R. 2419)
  
• House: Tax Package (H.R. 3996), Free Trade (H.R. 3688)

Farm policy, appropriations, taxes and trade will dominate the congressional agenda next week as the Senate launches debate on a farm bill while the House takes on tax and trade measures.

Both chambers also are preparing to move the first of the fiscal 2008 spending bills to the president’s desk.

Both chambers also are expected to take up a conference report on an appropriations package that includes $150.7 billion in discretionary spending for the Labor-HHS-Education bill (HR 3043) and $64.7 billion in similar funding for the Military Construction-VA measure (HR 2642).

Republicans may try a procedural maneuver under Senate rules to separate the two spending bills.

In the Senate, the five-year, $283 billion farm measure — which would update the 2002 authorization (PL 107-171) — is expected to consume the bulk of [this] week’s schedule.

The House plans to tackle a loaded schedule that includes the appropriations conference report, a tax measure, a free-trade agreement with Peru and securing homeowners’ insurance funds.

The tax legislation (HR 3996), by Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y., includes a “patch” to prevent the alternative minimum tax from affecting an additional 20 million middle-class taxpayers in 2007. The nearly $80 billion bill would extend certain expiring tax provisions, such as the research and development tax credit. It would be offset by new tax provisions for private equity executives, venture capitalists, multinational corporations and hedge fund managers.

The House will also take up legislation that would implement a renegotiated free-trade pact (HR 3688) with Peru. The accord includes labor and environmental protections. Among its provisions, the agreement would remove tariffs on 80 percent of U.S. exports to Peru and phase out any that remained over 10 years.

Also slated for action is a bill (HR 3355) intended to shore up state homeowners’ insurance funds in the event of a natural disaster. The measure would allow state insurance funds to enter into a consortium in order to combine their risks to ward off insurance losses.

Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., also said it was possible that the House would take up a $23.2 billion water resources bill (HR 1495).

House Suspension Votes - November 5, 2007

Bills raised under suspension of the rules require a 2/3 majority to pass.

H.R. 513: National Heroes Credit Protection Act
To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to enhance the protection of credit ratings of active duty military personnel who are activated for military service.
Passed 349-0

H.Res. 744: Recognizing the contributions of Native American veterans and calling upon the President to issue a proclamation urging the people of the United States to observe a day in honor of Native American veterans.
Passed 351-0

110th Congress - 2007 End Game

Will the House Recess By Thanksgiving? Ho, Ho, Ho, Hoyer Doesn't Think So
House leaders had to dish up some disappointment Tuesday to colleagues who might have been hoping to make plans for long holiday vacations.

The Hill That Stole Christmas
For the first time in two decades, Congress has gone into November without clearing a single regular annual appropriations bill. That’s just another way of noting that things don’t look good at all for lawmakers hoping to leave Washington in plenty of time for celebrating the holidays at home. Indeed, Democratic Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland already has alerted the House that there likely will be votes into the week of Dec. 10 — and perhaps beyond. The Senate is destined to do likewise. (At the start of the year, the new Democratic majority set Oct. 26 as the target House adjournment date; the Senate went with Nov. 16.)

Veto Showdown Set on Spending Bill
President Bush and congressional Democrats are headed for a late-year spending showdown centering on a gamble that the other side will be blamed for delaying veterans’ funding.

Status of Appropriations Legislation for Fiscal Year 2008

No Easing of Bush's Stance On Judicial Nominations
The Senate’s recent confirmation of Mississippi judge Leslie Southwick to a seat on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, over the objections of the Congressional Black Caucus and other liberal activists, seemed to show that for all President Bush’s troubles and low approval ratings, he might still be able to continue putting staunch conservatives on the federal bench.

Medicare Prepped For Surgery
Judging from the Oval Office consultations, the multimillion-dollar ad campaigns, and the impassioned speeches in the House and Senate, the showdown between Congress and President Bush over children's insurance coverage has evolved into the year’s biggest health care debate. But underneath it all, a more complicated, higher-stakes battle is playing out over the way the federal Medicare system pays health care providers.

Climate Bill by Lieberman, Warner Narrowly Approved in Subcommittee
The Senate leadership’s global warming bill overcame its first legislative hurdle Thursday, narrowly winning approval from a subcommittee and stirring grand pronouncements from its supporters.

110th Congress - Year to Date

New Congress at war over everything
This us-against-them mentality has been an ongoing storyline of the new Democratic­-controlled Congress.

Democrats Set Out to Tout Their Accomplishments for Frustrated Voters
House Democrats, increasingly frustrated that the public doesn’t give them credit for what they view as a long list of legislative accomplishments, are launching a new strategy designed to break through the Washington media filter.

Weary, Wary Lawmakers See Compromise as Way Forward
For most of the year, congressional Democrats have been uncompromising on issues including the Iraq war and expanded health insurance for poor children, believing that public opinion favored them and that Republicans would break with President Bush. But the GOP held firm and Congress's approval ratings plummeted.

Senate Votes - H.R. 3963: SCHIP Reauthorization Act

H.R. 3963: Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007
To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

• Previous Senate Votes
• Recent House Votes
  

Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed
Cloture Motion Agreed to 62-33

Motion to Invoke Cloture on H.R. 3963
Cloture Motion Agreed to 65-30

On Passage of the Bill
Passed 64-30


SCHIP vote repeats in Senate 'Groundhog Day'
Senate passes another version of doomed children’s health insurance bill Thursday.

SCHIP Clears Again; Talks Continue With Would-Be Supporters in House
After clearing a second children’s health bill that the president opposes, Senate supporters of the legislation vowed to keep working with House Republicans to write a version that might ultimately draw enough votes to thwart a veto.

Senate Votes - S. 294: Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act

S. 294: Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007
A bill to reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

S.Amdt. 3453 by Sen. Sununu [R-NH]
To prohibit Federal subsidies in excess of specified amounts on any Amtrak train route.
Rejected 28-66

S.Amdt. 3456 by Sen. Sununu [R-NH]
To remove the limitation on the number of Amtrak routes available for competitive bid.
Rejected 27-64

S.Amdt. 3474 by Sen. Coburn [R-OK]
To require Amtrak to regularly report to Congress on the profits or losses relating to the provision of food and beverage service and to limit such service on Amtrak rail lines that incur losses.
Rejected 24-67

Motion to Invoke Cloture on S.294
Cloture Motion Agreed to 79-13

Senate Limits Debate on Amtrak Bill
The Senate on Tuesday agreed to limit debate on an $11.4 billion, six-year reauthorization of Amtrak, the nation’s passenger railroad, after rejecting an amendment that would have cut its money-losing food service contracts.

S.Amdt. 3467 by Sen. DeMint [R-SC]
To require Amtrak to disclose the Federal subsidy of every ticket sold for transportation on Amtrak.
Rejected 27-65

On Passage of the Bill
Passed 70-22

Senate Vote - S. 2205: DREAM Act

S. 2205: Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2007
A bill to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes.

Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed
Cloture Motion Rejected 52-44


Senate Blocks Bill to Aid Children of Illegal Immigrants
The Senate on Wednesday blocked the latest effort to address the thorny immigration issue, refusing to call up legislation that would allow some children of illegal immigrants to legalize their status in the United States.

Senate Refuses to Consider Bill to Aid Children of Illegal Immigrants
The Senate on Wednesday blocked the latest effort to address the thorny immigration issue, refusing to call up legislation that would allow some children of illegal immigrants to legalize their status in the United States.

Even Limited Immigration Measures Appear Off the Table for Now
Efforts to deal with any fraction of the nation’s growing illegal immigrant population appear beyond the reach of the Senate this year.

Reid Tries to Revive Measure on Illegal Immigrant Children
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid filed a motion to move to debate on a controversial bill that would put some children of illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship.

After the 'DREAM'
Berkeley panel talks immigration after vote fails in Senate.

Senate Votes - Leslie Southwick Nomination

Nomination of Leslie Southwick, of Mississippi, to be U.S. Circuit Judge

Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination
Cloture Motion Agreed to 62-35

On the Nomination
Nomination Confirmed 59-38


Senate Confirms Southwick to 5th Circuit
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the controversial nomination of Leslie Southwick to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, after thwarting a potential Democratic filibuster that Republicans warned would set a bad precedent for future Democratic presidents.

Southwick confirmed by Senate
By the time Southwick cleared the Senate, Feinstein had become the Democrat that Republicans love.

No Easing of Bush's Stance On Judicial Nominations
The Senate’s recent confirmation of Mississippi judge Leslie Southwick to a seat on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, over the objections of the Congressional Black Caucus and other liberal activists, seemed to show that for all President Bush’s troubles and low approval ratings, he might still be able to continue putting staunch conservatives on the federal bench.

House Votes - Appropriations Conferences

H.R. 3043: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008
Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

Previous House Votes
Previous Senate Votes, Passage

On Motion to Instruct Conferees
Failed 191-222


H.R. 3222: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008
Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

Previous House Votes
Previous Senate Votes

On Closing Portions of the Conference
Passed 351-0


Delayed Spending Bills Prompt Finger-Pointing
President Bush criticized congressional Democrats yesterday for failing to send him a raft of spending bills, declaring that they should "stop wasting time and get essential work done on behalf of the American people."

Bush Warns He Would Veto a Combined Spending Package
President Bush excoriated the Democratic Congress Tuesday for “not getting its work done” and warned that he would veto any fiscal 2008 appropriations package that combines defense and veterans’ spending with domestic funding he considers excessive.


Boehner Echoes President's Call for Clean Veterans and Troops Funding Bill
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today echoed remarks by President Bush by renewing his call for Congress to complete its work on a key veterans and troops funding bill. The Capitol Hill publication Roll Call today reported that House Democratic leaders are considering combining the measure with other funding bills in an attempt to add billions in unrelated spending to the traditionally bipartisan measure.

Appropriations Committee Democrats Pile Billions of Worthless Pork onto the Backs of Our Troops & Veterans
House Democrats on the Appropriations Committee today piled billions in worthless pork onto the backs of our veterans and our troops by combining the pork-laden Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill with the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill that funds critical benefits for American veterans and troops.


President Vetoes WRDA Bill
Citing concerns about too much spending, today, the President vetoed H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. According to CQ, both the House and Senate may vote next week on a veto override.


FY 2008 Appropriations Bills

Senate Votes - H.R. 3043: Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations

H.R. 3043: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008
Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

Previous Senate Votes

PDF of White House Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 3043, S. 1710

Debate, Votes

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

S.Amdt. 3437 by Sen. Enzi [R-WY]
To prohibit the use of funds to modify certain HIV/AIDS funding formulas.
Agreed to 65-28

S.Amdt. 3358 by Sen. Coburn [R-OK]
To require Congress to provide health care for all children in the U.S. before funding special interest pork projects.
Motion to Table Agreed to 68-26

S.Amdt. 3387 by Sen. DeMint [R-SC]
To replace non-competitive earmarks for the AFL-CIO with competitive grants.
Motion to Table Agreed to 60-34

S.Amdt. 3400 by Sen. Cardin [D-MD]
To provide support to Iraqis and Afghans who arrives in the United States under the Special Immigrant Visa program.
Agreed to 92-0

S.Amdt. 3342 by Sen. Ensign [R-NV]
To prohibit the use of funds to administer Social Security benefit payments under a totalization agreement with Mexico.
Agreed to 91-3

S.Amdt. 3350 by Sen. Lautenberg [D-NJ]
To prohibit the use of funds to provide abstinence education that includes information that is medically inaccurate.
Withdrawn: Oct 23, 2007.

S.Amdt. 3352 by Sen. Ensign [R-NV]
To prohibit the use of funds to process claims based on illegal work for purposes of receiving Social Security benefits.
Agreed to 92-2

S.Amdt. 3440 by Sen. Bingaman [D-NM]
Of a perfecting nature.
Agreed to 88-6

McConnell Motion to Commit H.R. 3043 to the Committee on Appropriations, with Instructions
(consideration: CR S13230-13232)
Rejected 40-54

On Passage of the Bill
Passed 75-19

House Votes - H.R. 2262: Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act

H.Res. 780: Providing for the consideration of H.R. 2262

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 221-194

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 224-195

On Approving the Journal
Passed 227-187


H.R. 2262: Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007
To modify the requirements applicable to locatable minerals on public domain lands, consistent with the principles of self-initiation of mining claims, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

H.Amdt. 877 by Rep. Pearce [R-NM]
An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-416 to strike the definition of `undue degradation' in the legislation.
Failed 173-244

H.Amdt. 880 by Rep. Cannon [R-UT]
An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 110-416 to strike section 517--Mineral materials.
Failed 175-240

On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H12430-12431; text: CR H12430)
Failed 170-240

On Passage
Passed 244-166

House Votes - H.R. 3920: Trade and Globalization Assistance Act

H.Res. 781: Providing for consideration of H.R. 3920

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 224-190

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 222-193

On Approving the Journal
Passed 222-190


H.R. 3920: Trade and Globalization Act of 2007
To amend the Trade Act of 1974 to reauthorize trade adjustment assistance, to extend trade adjustment assistance to service workers and firms, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

H.Amdt. 875 by Rep. McCrery [R-LA]
An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-417 to reauthorize the Trade AdjustmentAssistance (TAA) programs for workers, firms and farmers for 5 years.

• Restructures the TAA to increase training options while retaining the current two years of income support for TAA for workers program participants who remain unemployed and train full-time.
• Increases the federal share of monthly TAA participant premiums for the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) from 65% today to 70% and continues HCTC.
• Allows States to apply for waivers of unemployment compensation program rules.
  
• Expands the new markets tax credit to benefit firms and workers in local communities impacted by trade, globalization, and other causes of job loss.
• Extends Workforce Investment Act (WIA) employment and training programs, creates a consolidated funding stream, and increases State and local flexibility.
• Provides for collection of Unemployment Insurance overpayments.

Failed 196-226

On Passage
Passed 264-157


Boehner Statement Opposing Trade and Globalization Assistance Act
The House rejected a Republican proposal to reform and reauthorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) federal job training program. The House instead approved a Democrat-authored measure to expand TAA beyond its original scope funded through a tax increase.

RSC: House Approves TAA Expansion
Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 3920, the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007, by a vote of 264 to 157. This legislation extends the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program for five years and nearly doubles the cost of the program. The bill increases mandatory spending by $8.6 billion over ten years and increases taxes by a net of $9.4 billion over ten years. Among other things, some conservatives may be concerned that this expansion of the TAA program will not be accompanied with enough progress on trade. The Administration issued a SAP threatening to veto this legislation, and the margin of passage would not be enough to override such a veto.

House Votes - H.R. 3867: Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act

H.Res. 773: Providing for consideration of H.R. 3867

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 216-180

On agreeing to the resolution
Agreed to by voice vote.


H.R. 3867: Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act
To update and expand the procurement programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H12186-12188; text: CR H12186)
Failed 177-240

On Passage
Passed 334-80

House Votes - H.R. 3963: SCHIP Reauthorization Act (Take 3)

Previous House Votes:
Take 1 - H.R. 3162 - Background, Votes
Take 2 - H.R. 976 - Passed, Failed Veto Override

On Motion to Adjourn
Failed 158-220

On Motion to Adjourn
Failed 170-222

H.Res. 774: Providing for consideration of H.R. 3963

Will the House Now Consider the Resolution
Passed 216-181

Table Motion to Reconsider
Passed 218-183

On Motion to Adjourn
Failed 165-224

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 221-188

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 215-187


H.R. 3693: Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007
To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H12087-12090; text: CR H12087-12088)
Failed 164-242

On Passage
Passed 265-142


House Passes New Children's Health Bill Despite GOP Protests
The House passed its third children’s health insurance bill of the year Thursday, a measure that was intended to draw more Republican votes but failed to do so.

House Passes Revised Children's Health Bill, but Timing Irks GOP
After hours of partisan warfare and delay, the House easily approved a new version of legislation to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program yesterday, but the vote failed to get any more Republicans to override another promised veto from President Bush.

Political Calculations Imperil SCHIP
Three times this year, the House has passed a children’s health insurance bill; the latest version is likely headed for passage in the Senate this week.

Grassley Seeks House GOP Votes for Revised Children's Health Bill
Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, is trying to boost Republican support for a new children’s health insurance bill that appeared doomed when the House passed it last week.

SCHIP Supporters Still Trying for Deal
Supporters of a children’s health insurance bill are scrambling to salvage the measure, which had appeared doomed as soon as the House passed it last week.

House Votes - H.R. 505: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act

H.Res. 764: Providing for consideration of H.R. 505

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 218-175

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 217-179


H.R. 505: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007
To express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H11986-11988; text: CR H11986)
Failed 178-235

On Passage
Passed 261-153


FRC: The bill declares that anyone with at least one ancestor indigenous to Hawaii would have a right to autonomy and self-governance and would require the U.S. to assist them in creating their own new separate government.

• The U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. v. Sandoval declared that the U.S. Congress does not have the power to create an Indian tribe where one does not exist.
• Even more recently the U.S. Civil Rights Commission noted that this legislation "would discriminate on the basis of race or national origin and further subdivide the American people into discrete subgroups accorded varying degrees of privilege."

The Bush administration issued a Statement of Administration Policy (PDF) yesterday where his senior advisors recommended President Bush would veto the bill if presented to him.

House Votes - H.R. 1483: Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act

H.Res. 765: Providing for consideration of H.R. 1483

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 228-191

On Agreeing to the Resolution
Passed 231-186


H.R. 1483: Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act
To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H11963-11964; text: CR H11963)
Passed 344-71

On Passage
Passed 291-122

House Votes - H.R. 1011: Virginia Ridge and Valley Act

H.Res. 763: Providing for consideration of H.R. 1011

On Ordering the Previous Question
Passed 225-190

On agreeing to the resolution
Agreed to by voice vote.


H.R. 1011: Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007
To designate additional National Forest System lands in the State of Virginia as wilderness or a wilderness study area, to designate the Kimberling Creek Potential Wilderness Area for eventual incorporation in the Kimberling Creek Wilderness, to establish the Seng Mountain and Bear Creek Scenic Areas, to provide for the development of trail plans for the wilderness areas and scenic areas, and for other purposes.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

On Motion to Recommit with Instructions
(consideration: CR H11907-11908; text: CR H11907)
Passed 236-178

On passage
Passed by voice vote.

House Votes - H.R. 327: Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act

H.R. 327: Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act
To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans.

Debate

Amendments (GovTrack, Thomas)

Votes

Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Senate Amendment
Passed 417-0


11/6/2007 Update:
This bill has become Public Law 110-110.

House Votes - H.Res. 767: Censuring the Member from California, Mr. Stark

H. Res. 767: Raising a question of the privileges of the House

Resolved, That the Member from California, Mr. Stark, by his despicable conduct, has dishonored himself and brought discredit to the House and merits the censure of the House for the same.

Resolved, That the Member from California, Mr. Stark, is hereby so censured.

On Motion to Table the Resolution
Passed 196-173

House Suspension Votes

House votes under suspension of the rules require a 2/3 majority for passage.


H.R. 1808: To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, as the "Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center".
Passed 417-0

H.Res. 680: Condemning the actions of September 7, 2007, resulting in damage to the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial.
Passed 418-0

H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007

SEC. 899A. DEFINITIONS.

`For purposes of this subtitle:

`(1) COMMISSION- The term `Commission' means the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism established under section 899C.

`(2) VIOLENT RADICALIZATION- The term `violent radicalization' means the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change.

`(3) HOMEGROWN TERRORISM- The term `homegrown terrorism' means the use, planned use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual born, raised, or based and operating primarily within the United States or any possession of the United States to intimidate or coerce the United States government, the civilian population of the United States, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

`(4) IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE- The term `ideologically based violence' means the use, planned use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the group or individual's political, religious, or social beliefs.

Passed 404-6

Nay	HI-1	Abercrombie, Neil [D]
Nay	IL-12	Costello, Jerry [D]
Nay	TN-2	Duncan, John [R]
Nay	AZ-6	Flake, Jeff [R]
Nay	OH-10	Kucinich, Dennis [D]
Nay	CA-46	Rohrabacher, Dana [R]

11/5/2007 Update:
H.R. 3224: Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007
To amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to establish a program to provide grant assistance to States for the rehabilitation and repair of deficient dams.
Passed 263-102

Senate Voice Vote - House Bill (Both Chambers)

This House bill has passed the Senate by unanimous consent:

H.R. 2779: To recognize the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the official national museum of Navy SEALS and their predecessors

This bill next goes to the President for his signature.

Senate Voice Votes - Senate Bills (First Chamber)

The following bills have passed the Senate by voice vote.
Resolutions have been excluded from this list.

• S. 2198: Andrew Larochelle God, Family, and Country Act of 2007
• S. 2265: A bill to extend the existing provisions regarding the eligibility for essential air service subsidies through fiscal year 2008

11/6/2007 Update:
Senate Passes Bill to Keep 'God' in Flag Certificates
There's nothing that can deliver political unanimity like a story that combines God, the U.S. flag, an Eagle Scout and his veteran grandfather.

House Voice Votes - Senate Bills (Both Chambers)

The following Senate bills have passed the House by voice vote, and thus have passed both chambers:


S. 2258: Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007
A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to amend the definition of an eligible not-for-profit holder, and for other purposes.

S. 2106: Procedural Fairness for September 11 Victims Act of 2007
A bill to provide nationwide subpoena authority for actions brought under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.
11/10 Update: Became Public Law 110-113 on Nov 8, 2007.

House Voice Votes - House Bills (First Chamber)

The following have passed the House by voice vote.
Resolutions and designation bills have been excluded.

• H.R. 1205: Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007
• H.R. 1337: To provide for a feasibility study of alternatives to augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and cities served by the District.
• H.R. 1462: To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the implementation of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Species in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin and to modify the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir.
• H.R. 1803: San Diego Water Storage and Efficiency Act of 2007
• H.R. 1855: Madera Water Supply Enhancement Act
• H.R. 2094: To provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission
• H.R. 2197: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Boundary Adjustment Act
• H.R. 3564: Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007
• H.R. 3775: Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act of 2007
• H.R. 3776: Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007
• H.R. 53: Virgin Islands National Park School Lease Act
• H.R. 767: Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act
• H.R. 783: Mesa Verde National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2007
• H.R. 813: Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2007
• H.R. 830: Denali National Park and Alaska Railroad Land Exchange Act of 2007
• H.R. 1011: Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007
• H.R. 1680: Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007
• H.R. 2868: To eliminate the exemption from State regulation for certain securities designated by national securities exchanges
• H.R. 3927: To temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965
• H.R. 1473: Anthony DeJuan Boatwright Act
• H.R. 3247: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Facilitation Act of 2007
• H.R. 3877: To require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish an initiative to promote the research, development, and demonstration of miner tracking and communications systems and to promote the establishment of standards and other measurement services regarding underground communications to protect miners in the United States.
• H.R. 1236: To amend title 39, United States Code, to extend the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a semipostal to raise funds for breast cancer research.
• H.R. 2787: CJ's Home Protection Act of 2007

House Passes Bill Regulating Fertilizer Chemical Used by Terrorists
The House Tuesday passed a bill (H.R. 1680) that would regulate the production, sale and purchase of explosive chemicals like those used in the Oklahoma City bombing.

New Public Laws

Bills to designate post offices are not included in this list.

P.L. 110-97: To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999

P.L. 110-106: To amend Public Law 106-348 to extend the authorization for establishing a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

P.L. 110-108: Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendments Act of 2007
To amend the Internet Tax Freedom Act to extend the moratorium on certain taxes relating to the Internet and to electronic commerce.

P.L. 110-109: Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2007
A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, to amend the definition of an eligible not-for-profit holder, and for other purposes.


Congress Clears Seven-Year Ban on Internet Access Taxes
The House on Tuesday unanimously passed and sent to the White House a bill that would continue the current moratorium on taxing Internet access for seven more years.

Senate Committee - Legislation Passed

The following bills have passed committee and can come to the floor at any time:

• S. 2286: An original bill to establish a nonpartisan commission on natural catastrophe risk management and insurance
• S. 2285: An original bill to reauthorize the Federal terrorism risk insurance program
• S. 2284: An original bill to amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, to restore the financial solvency of the flood insurance fund
• S. 2168: Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2007
• S. 1518: Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act of 2007
• S. 2271: An original bill to authorize State and local governments to divest assets in companies that conduct business operations in Sudan, to prohibit United States Government contracts with such companies
• S. 1498: Captive Primate Safety Act
• S. 635: Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007
• S. 2248: FISA Amendments Act of 2007
• S. 1347: A bill to amend the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act to modify the date as of which certain tribal land of the Lytton Rancheria of California is deemed to be held in trust and to provide for the conduct of certain activities on the land.
• S. 2242: An original bill to amend the Trade Act of 1974 to establish supplemental agricultural disaster assistance and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for conservation and alternative energy sources and to provide tax relief for farmers
• S. 2223: An original bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide additional tax incentives to promote habitat conservation and restoration
• S. 1492: Broadband Data Improvement Act
• S. 1845: A bill to provide for limitations in certain communications between the Department of Justice and the White House Office relating to civil and criminal investigations

11/4 Update:

• S. 950: Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007
• S. 2302: An original bill to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012
• S. 1769: Same Number Act of 2007
• S. 1582: Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2007

House Committee - Legislation Passed

The following bills have passed committee and can come to the floor at any time:

• H.R. 2705: Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007
• H.R. 275: Global Online Freedom Act of 2007
• H.R. 3887: William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007
• H.R. 3912: To provide for the transfer of naval vessels to certain foreign recipients.
• H.R. 900: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007
• H.R. 2128: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007
• H.R. 2405: Proud to Be an American Citizen Act
• H.R. 3921: Procedural Fairness for September 11 Victims Act of 2007
• H.R. 2537: Beach Protection Act of 2007
• H.R. 3315: To provide that the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center shall be known as Emancipation Hall
• H.R. 3495: Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007
• H.R. 3688: United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act
• H.R. 3985: Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007
• H.R. 3986: John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2007
• H.R. 3999: National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act of 2007
• H.Res. 661: Honoring the accomplishments of Barrington Antonio Irving, the youngest pilot and first person of African descent ever to fly solo around the world.
• H.Res. 772: Recognizing the American Highway Users Alliance on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, and for other purposes
• H.R. 2768: S-MINER Act